Sporty
Rain Jacket Zip Layer
A black rain jacket over a white zip-up hoodie is the light-rain sporty combination that stays clean in colour. Fleece leggings and Chelsea boots handle the rest.
What to Wear in Virginia Beach in December
December in Virginia Beach is genuinely cold, with highs averaging 53°F and lows near 36°F — a proper coat and warm layers are needed for the oceanfront boardwalk and the False Cape State Park trails. About 9 days bring precipitation, typically as cold rain or occasionally sleet during stronger nor'easters. The 3½-mile oceanfront boardwalk is quiet and dramatic in December but fully exposed to Atlantic wind that drives the wind chill well below the air temperature.
What to wear
top / Long-Sleeve Top
fitted long-sleeve
bottom / Jeans
straight-leg
chinos for a slightly smarter look
footwear / Waterproof Boots
ankle boots
rubber sole for traction — keep feet dry all day
outerwear / Rain Jacket
shell jacket
waterproof or DWR-treated — keep it packable
Consider bringing:
Umbrella
Based on typical December conditions in Virginia Beach. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
Virginia Beach in December trades its summer beach-party identity for a quieter, more austere Atlantic winter character. The 3½-mile oceanfront boardwalk is largely empty and swept by Atlantic winds that push wind chills below what the thermometer suggests — a coat that's warm enough for 53°F in the city feels inadequate on the exposed boardwalk approach. Highs average 53°F with lows near 36°F, and about 9 days bring cold rain or occasionally sleet, particularly when nor'easters sweep up the coast. The Atlantic Avenue and ViBe Creative District's indoor arts and restaurant scene provides good cold-weather refuge. The local style tendency in December runs practical East Coast waterfront: quilted puffer jackets, waterproof ankle boots, and wind-blocking scarves are the boardwalk standard. False Cape State Park and First Landing State Park are accessible in December and quieter than the summer season; the trails remain passable but can be muddy after rain.
Curated Looks
Cute
Lilac Vest Cream Stack
A pastel lilac vest over a cream cardigan and wide-leg sweatpants reads softly in light rain. Black Chelsea boots are the only contrast in this muted palette.
Casual
The Rust Shacket
A rust plaid shacket works as jacket and top layer in light rain. Suede knee-high boots and a cream maxi skirt carry the look when the weather clears.
Cozy
Hoodie Under the Parka
A black longline parka over an oversized hoodie and fleece-lined leggings handles everything light rain brings. Tan Chelsea boots and a grey scarf soften the all-black stack.
Formal
Grey Coat Formal Rain
A grey longline coat over camel trousers and a black turtleneck holds formal presence through light rain. The black mini shoulder bag keeps what needs carrying close.
Business Casual
Camel Coat Patent Thigh
A camel coat over dark jeans and a black crewneck gains editorial edge from patent leather thigh-high boots in light rain. A canvas tote keeps the rest functional.
Chic
Camel Coat Maxi Combat
A camel coat over a black turtleneck and cream maxi skirt cuts a strong silhouette in light rain. Black combat boots under the skirt are the editorial surprise that makes it.
Packing List
What to Pack for Virginia Beach in December →
Other Months in Virginia Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Virginia Beach in December?+
A substantial coat is the starting point — the Atlantic wind on the oceanfront boardwalk amplifies the cold significantly beyond the air temperature. Layer a sweater or mid-layer fleece underneath and add a scarf, hat, and gloves for boardwalk walks. Waterproof ankle boots handle the occasional rain and the sand-covered boardwalk access paths. For inland activities in the ViBe Creative District or Chesapeake's neighborhoods, a lighter mid-weight coat is sufficient.
Is December a good time to visit Virginia Beach?+
Virginia Beach in December is peaceful and uncrowded — almost the opposite of its peak summer character. The beaches are empty, oceanfront hotels offer significant discounts, and the city's indoor restaurant and arts scene is accessible without summer waits. The Atlantic weather is the main consideration: cold, wind, and the occasional nor'easter can make outdoor time uncomfortable. Visitors who love the dramatic off-season ocean and don't mind bundling up will find it genuinely rewarding.
What shoes are best for Virginia Beach in December?+
Waterproof ankle boots with a grip sole handle the oceanfront boardwalk's exposed concrete and the sandy path transitions to beach access points after rain. The wind and cold make walking the full 3½-mile boardwalk a test of gear rather than style — traction and warmth matter more than appearance. For First Landing State Park's trails, a waterproof hiking boot handles the wet, sometimes muddy trail conditions after the frequent December rains.
How cold does it get in Virginia Beach in December?+
Daytime highs average 53°F inland, but the Atlantic wind on the oceanfront boardwalk can push the real-feel temperature 10–15°F lower. Overnight lows average 36°F, with occasional drops toward 30°F during stronger nor'easter events. About 9 days bring precipitation — most commonly cold coastal rain, occasionally sleet or mixed precipitation during the strongest cold events. Snow is possible but typically melts quickly near the coast.
What should I pack for Virginia Beach in December?+
Pack a substantial coat, warm layers (sweaters, thermal base layers), waterproof ankle boots, a windproof scarf, a warm hat, and gloves. The oceanfront exposure demands a wind-resistant outer shell — a fashionable but unstructured coat isn't adequate on the boardwalk in 25°F wind chills. A compact umbrella handles the frequent cold rain days when the wind isn't strong enough to invert it. Bring waterproofed footwear; December rain is frequent and the beach-area pavement stays wet.